AT work she's a bobby on the beat, but out of uniform Aimee-Louise Porch has made history as the city's first police officer to reach the finals of a prestigious festival honouring Ireland's heritage.

AT work she's a bobby on the beat, but out of uniform Aimee-Louise Porch has made history as the city's first police officer to reach the finals of a prestigious festival honouring Ireland's heritage.

For the 22-year-old police constable is also this year's Birmingham Rose of Tralee and is one step away from making it to the international finals in Ireland in August.

Aimee-Louise, who is based at Bournville Lane police station, is among eight regional finalists who will compete for a place in the UK finals tonight at the Renaissance Hotel in Solihull.

The contest is far more than simply a beauty pageant, as Birmingham's former Roses of Tralee have always been professional women of Irish descent who become ambassadors for the Irish community during their year of office.

Aimee-Louise, who became a police officer a year ago, gets her Irish roots from her grandfather - Galway-born Joe Concannon, from Northfield, who nagged her to enter the contest.

"My grandad used to nag my mum and her sisters to enter and they never did," said Aimee-Louise, who lives in Rednal.

"So as I am the oldest grandchild I finally gave in and said I would enter just for him. No-one was more surprised than me when I won. Grandad, my grandmother and about 20 of my family are all supporting me in the finals.

"I think it's very important to keep the Irish heritage alive and for people to feel proud of their Irish roots."

The four-day International Rose of Tralee Festival takes place in Tralee, County Kerry, from August 17-21, attracting contestants from across the globe.

Teacher Maria Cleary, a former Birmingham Rose, and now contest organiser, said: "This great Irish cultural competition is now in its 48th year.

"Aimee-Louise is already a fine ambassador for Birmingham's Irish community and we wish her every success at the UK finals."